2024 NPLM Champions!

Olympic Kingsway have been crowned champions of the 2024 NPLWA – Men’s competition following a 3-1 win over Balcatta Etna.

It is the club’s first State title since 1980 and third in all.

The Green Machine’s fifth win in a row means they are eight points clear at the top of the league with one match to play, as attention turns to Tuesday night’s Australia Cup Round of 16 home tie with Adelaide United.

Balcatta’s loss ended a run of four games without defeat for Glen Grostate’s ninth-placed side, but they gave the leaders a good fight in an even first half at Inglewood Stadium.

Chris Harold’s effort was well saved by Adrian Sinagra with Josh Samson heading off the line, while an excellent clearance inside his own six-yard box from Aryn Williams ensured Ben Hinshelwood did not have a simple tap-in.

At the other end, Joe Knowles looped a header inches wide of the post. Knowles was then brought down by Etna keeper Connor Campbell and the in-form striker converted the spot-kick as he scored for a sixth straight league game.

Balcatta equalised four minutes later when Shogo Osawa drove forward and spotted Harold alongside him, and the former Perth Glory winger finished superbly from outside the box.

Etna deserved to be on level terms at the break, but Kingsway clicked it up a gear in the second period and two goals in three minutes proved decisive.

Knowles’ corner from the right was glanced on by Ryan Lowry for Liam Boland to nod home from close range to make it goals in three successive matches.

Soon after, Knowles was put through on goal by Josh Samson with the striker rifling in a 17th goal of the season to kickstart the celebrations and cap a memorable day for Kingsway.

Report via Football West Website